Significant obstacles remain to the introduction of European joint degrees, according to a European Commission survey of ten Erasmus+ pilot projects. Barriers include incompatible national rules on curriculum structure, duration, teaching languages and recognition of blended and online learning.
Even rules governing the thickness of the diploma paper can stand in the way.
The heart of the problem is that education is largely a national competence. Different rules hinder efforts to collaborate. The more partner universities that want to get involved, the more complex it gets
There are two main forms a European degree could take. It could be awarded to students of joint courses that meet certain criteria, meaning students receive a European degree label certificate alongside their degree.
Alternatively, a new European degree qualification could be enshrined in national legislation and awarded jointly by universities in different countries.
A label would be easier to introduce but would not solve the problem of incompatible national rules, meaning it is more likely to be seen as an interim step.
https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2024)291&lang=en